Police in Texas say an autistic teen was seriously injured when one of his friends stole a package and threw the chemicals inside in the boy’s face.
The Friendswood Police Department responded to an incident in a neighborhood within the city of Friendswood on Monday.
The victim’s mother, Amy Morgan, said: He told KTRK-TV Regarding my son’s injury.
“They shouldn’t have to deal with a child who could potentially lose their vision.”
“Children with autism don’t necessarily know how to choose good friends,” she explained.
Her son, Brody, was walking in the neighborhood with two friends when one of them tried to steal a package from a home’s porch. Brandon Jolly, 17, tore open the package and found a tube containing a powder.
According to court documents, Jolly spilled powder on the victim’s shirt, the victim pushed Jolly away, and Jolly responded by throwing the powder in the victim’s face.
The mother said they brought her son in and he was screaming in pain from the drugs.
“All I heard was something was thrown in his face and they said it was salt,” she said.
“We went to the emergency room and they quickly realised it wasn’t salt and they kept trying to get me to tell them what it was, but I had no idea,” she added.
Medical personnel later determined the substance was an agent used to unclog drains.
The son’s progress in recovery is unclear due to the volatility of the chemicals.
“Those chemicals can still continue to decompose,” she explained.
KTRK obtained graphic photos of the boy’s injuries and posted them to News video report.
“An accident that occurred as a result of the choices made by all involved”
According to court documents, the packaging was clearly labeled as a drain clog remover, and the other teen involved told police that Jolly intentionally threw the powder at the victim.
Jolie’s family released a statement blaming the victim for shoving her.
“Our family, for both sides of the family, are extremely upsetting about the details of this incident. I am extremely saddened by this entire incident and my heart goes out to Brody and his family. I believe this was not a malicious act by our son to hurt his friend, but rather an accident that occurred as a result of choices made by all involved.
Jolly’s mother also spoke to KTRK and claimed the incident was an accident, saying the substance fell out of her son’s hand when the victim “attacked” him.
Amy Morgan responded to the claims, saying she sympathizes with Jolie’s family.
“She’s his mother. She’s going to try to protect her son and I don’t blame her,” she said.
“I know this is difficult for them, but they don’t have to deal with children who may lose their eyesight or have burn scars on their faces,” she added.
Jolie has been charged with assault on a disabled person.
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